Intel Mini PC Real Machine test

March 28--last year, Intel quietly released a small PC host, the protagonist of this article Nuc (Next Unit of Computing), which is a miniature quasi-system desktop computer, but also a traditional box-style modern computer. Nuc is located in a square box about 5 cm tall, 10 cm square, and the retail price is only 300 dollars (RMB 1863). However, you should not be misled by its miniature size or price, as the Intel Core i3 processor inside it is fast and stable enough to meet your daily computing tasks.

Before you plan to be excited, let's cool down first, as a quasi-system PC, you need to install your own memory, hard disk, wireless network parts and operating system. In other words, unless you plan to have food and clothing for yourself, NUC is not your dish. The next question is the price, and once you have the parts you need to write on the list, you'll find that the price is not that tempting. So is NUC a worthwhile product? Let's get to the next step.

Hardware

If you've ever longed for a computer to kick off a dizzying array of technologies and specialize in limiting the components, then Intel's Nuc can be described as an incredible product. As a simple new device, it contains only the most basic needs of modern desktop computers. We're always talking about SSD storage, integrated graphics, HDMI video, and a handful of interfaces that can get clear answers within a minute of NUC. Given the Nuc miniaturization, it can even be mounted on the back of a monitor or TV that contains VESA brackets. In addition, the entire device is powered by a 65W external adapter, but strangely, Intel does not provide a power cord. So you need to add it to your shopping list, otherwise you won't be able to control your computer.

NUC is equipped with a third Daicouri i3 processor, which means that the Ivy Bridge platform can be seen in the device, and this 1.8GHz (i3-3217u) Low-power dual-core processor typically appears on the pen or is soldered to the motherboard and integrates the Intel HD 4000 graphics card. The machine's scalable options are limited to a pair of DDR3 So-dimm slots (up to 16GB), a full-size mini PCIe slot (support for msata solid-state drives), and a half-size mini PCIe slot (for WiFi and Bluetooth). Fortunately, the wireless antenna has been pre-installed on the NUC.

The NUC, which is equipped with the Intel Core i3 processor, is divided into two versions, Dc3217by and Dc3217iye, and the two models differ in Thunderbolt and Ethernet interfaces. The NUC thunderbolt has an HDMI interface and a thunderbolt interface for driving a second display (highest 2560x1440 resolution), while NUC Ethernet offers two HDMI interfaces and a Gigabit Ethernet interface. All two models have 3 USB2.0 connectors and one Kensington lock slot. Because NUC does not have a dedicated audio input, users can only ensure that their display is equipped with built-in speakers.

You may be more interested in NUC's connection than color, Thunderbolt version of the top panel for red Plastic, and Ethernet version using a black aluminum alloy material. In addition, the two models are plastic material body, the function of the design before the aesthetic. We're not surprised. Intel will devote more effort to the industrial design of NUC continuous change products. But it is clear that today this generation is for enthusiasts, and more of it embodies the inner beauty of the system.

Machine

Let's say it's inherently beautiful, and if NUC attracts you, then you're ready to fall in love with it. Not only the internal on-board motherboard is a project miracle, the system is also very easy to build. In our experience, the whole process will not be more than 10 minutes, and that includes the time you have to enjoy the excellent intel.

In short, as long as you can plug in memory, then to NUC installed completely no problem. To install a wireless module, simply connect it to a pigtail antenna with a predetermined line, put the NIC into the lower mini PCIe slot, and then unscrew the screws. The same is true for solid-state hard drives, which are positioned on top of the wireless card and are fixed by the bracket on the motherboard. After that, plug in two memory strips, put back to the bottom cover, finished. Compared to the ordinary desktop twist into a tangle of various wires, is not refreshing a lot of it.

Of course, the components you choose to load into the NUC will determine the overall performance and final price of the machine, in the evaluation, we chose the DDR3 8GB memory, 32GB M4 mSATA solid-state Drive, the Intel Centrino advanced-n 6235 Wireless network card (WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0). If you are planning to configure the Windows 8 operating system, remember that you need at least 64GB of memory space, because it does take up too much space. When it comes to Windows, it's a big one, and if you choose it, the price of NUC will be increased by 100 dollars. Needless to say, if you want to save money, then you can choose the free Linux system and some unused accessories, in order to give you a better understanding of the configuration of a nuc in the end how much to spend, we deliberately based on the price of new eggs for you to develop a theoretical shopping list.

Intel NUC 299.99 USD

Intel Centrino advanced-n 6235 Wireless network card 31.99 USD

Mei Guang DDR3 8GB (2 x 4GB) 1600MHz RAM 77.99 USD

Mei Guang M4 64GB msata Solid State drive 84.99 USD

c2g 27400 Power cord 3.99 USD

Windows 8 operating system 99.99 USD

Total: USD 598.94 (RMB 3722)

Once you've got all the parts in the way, you will find that NUC is by no means a so-called cheap computer, for you, do not be blinded by its 300 dollar price, because your actual cost is not only so, in addition to its various accessories, you may need a set of mouse, as well as a monitor.

The final process of the installation, you need to load your chosen operating system into the NUC. However, because the machine lacks a CD-ROM drive, this last step is a bit more energy-intensive than a traditional PC, but it's also within control. If you don't have a handy external DVD reader, the best way to do this is to install the system via a USB drive. If you plan to install the Windows system, you need to go to Microsoft's official web site to download an application called Windows 7 Usb/dvd Download tool, in addition, the software can also be used to service Windows 8, You need to create a bootable flash drive from the ISO file for the Windows Setup disk.

If you choose to install Windows 8 system, then you have to buy a Windows 8 system Builder, even if Microsoft's product packaging does not mention it, but all other Windows 8 systems, whether you buy in the retail store or download is only a copy of the upgrade. This obviously adds to the difficulty that Windows 8 system generators can only be purchased in the form of DVDs, so that means you need to buy CDs and convert them to ISO files through Microsoft's related applications. There is no doubt that Microsoft can make this process easier by selling Windows 8 system Builder.

Performance and Impressions

For Intel Nuc, performance is clearly not its forte, it is not even comparable to a regular laptop, it comes with the HD 4,000 set Cheng Xianka is not suitable for playing games ("European Truck Simulation 2" in 1080p only 14fps), but if you want to say running Windows 8 and the day-to-day computing tasks, NUC absolutely counted on the outstanding. Run application speed, full screen 1080p video playback no pressure, web browsing is also smooth and incomparable, in the above configuration, NUC start only need 11 seconds.

Although NUC is a bit feverish in our run test, it is only in this case that we can hear the noise of the fan, and in normal circumstances the machine is quiet and unusual. Even when you play 1080p video, you can hear the sound of the fan when it is close to the fuselage-even when the movie is muted.

Perhaps you will see NUC as your second computer or put it in the living room. Because of NUC's small size, low noise and pressure-free 1080p video, these features are an ideal HTPC, but NUC does have some limitations. First, solid-state drives are relatively expensive and have less storage space, which means that they need to be accessed via a network or an external hard drive. Nuc's lack of extensibility is also reflected in the playback, and you can't add a TV tuner card to him. Of course, you can choose the external components, and once these devices are added, the small size of the NUC will begin to lose its appeal. In addition, the machine lacks infrared functionality and dedicated audio output, which may also imply the addition of additional tools. On the one hand, Nuc is ideal for playing elimination games on the big screen.

Later this year, Intel will release our long-awaited chip on the Haswell architecture, and we look forward to seeing a faster CPU, a colleague, and a fourth Daicouri processor that will have a big boost in the performance of the integrated graphics. Now the authorities have not given a specific date for the Haswell, but it is also a logical guess for Intel to update NUC at the same time. With this in mind, if you think the current NUC has any barriers, it is likely to be an update that is worth looking forward to.

Summarize:

Now go back to the question at the beginning of the article: is NUC worthy of its name? The answer is yes. It is fast, compact, energy-saving, mute. NUC eliminates the traditional legacy of miscellaneous, providing only the parts necessary for most users. Of course, Intel's ultra modern work may be unsettling to some, but we see the same hesitation when the floppy drive and the optical drive are eliminated, and this change will continue. If you are willing to compromise on such a minimalist computer, NUC will be able to reward you with unparalleled stimulation to install your next PC.